The Dorothy Kaplan Book Group

The group meets on the 3rd Thursday of the month at 1pm in the Conference Room at the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Contact our Library Specialist by email or phone (402) 334-6464.

Dorothy KaplanNovember 15, 1979 marked the debut of the Jewish Federation Library Book Discussion Group, later renamed the “Dorothy Kaplan Book Discussion Group.” In association with the Jewish Federation of Omaha Library, a group of dedicated women, including the late “library diva” Dorothy Kaplan z”l, began the club. It is believed that throughout the country this is the oldest Jewish book group in continuous existence. The group selects books with Jewish content and/or books written by Jewish authors which are designed to appeal to readers of different ages and tastes. With the diversity of topics – everything from poetry and mysteries to science fiction and biographies – and with occasional guest facilitators, including authors, today’s “Dorothy Kaplan Book Group” offers something for everyone. The group welcomes new members.

The Dorothy Kaplan Book Group meets on the third Thursday of the month at 1pm in the Wiesman Family Reception Room at the Jewish Federation of Omaha. There is no cost to join and there is always an insightful exchange of observations, opinions and critiques during the group meetings.

Contact our Library Specialist by email or phone (402) 334-6464.

CURRENT BOOK SELECTION

AUGUST 2026

The Last Summer at the Golden Hotel | by Elyssa Friedland

A family reunion for the ages when two clans convene for the summer at their beloved getaway in the Catskills—perfect for fans of Dirty Dancing and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel—from the acclaimed author of The Floating Feldmans.

In its heyday, The Golden Hotel was the crown jewel of the hotter-than-hot Catskills vacation scene. For more than sixty years, the Goldman and Weingold families – best friends and business partners – have presided over this glamorous resort which served as a second home for well-heeled guests and celebrities. But the Catskills are not what they used to be – and neither is the relationship between the Goldmans and the Weingolds. As the facilities and management begin to fall apart, a tempting offer to sell forces the two families together again to make a heart-wrenching decision. Can they save their beloved Golden or is it too late?

Long-buried secrets emerge, new dramas and financial scandal erupt, and everyone from the traditional grandparents to the millennial grandchildren wants a say in the hotel’s future. Business and pleasure clash in this fast-paced, hilarious, nostalgia-filled story, where the hotel owners rediscover the magic of a bygone era of nonstop fun even as they grapple with what may be their last resort.

Upcoming 2026 Selections: TBD

The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store: A Novel by James McBride

The Griffin Sisters’ Greatest Hits by Jennifer Weiner

Behind Every Good Man by Sara Goodman Confino

Past Selections

2026 Selections

Feb | Beautiful Little Fools by Jilian Cantor

March | The Paris Daughter by Kristin Harmel

May | Adult Assembly Required by Abbi Waxman

June | The Art Forger by B.A. Shapiro

July | On Division by Goldie Goldbloom

2025 Selections

Jan  |  Mr. Perfect on Paper by Jean Meltzer

Feb  |  The Auschwitz Detective by Jonathan Dunsky

Mar  |  The Stranger in the Lifeboat by Mitch Albom

May  | Not Quite Kosher by Stuart Kaminsky

June | The Dinner Party by Brenda Janowitz

July | The Outside World by Tova Mirvis

August | An Unorthodox Match by Naomi Ragen

September | Fifth Avenue Glamor Girl by Renee Rosen

October | Half Life by Jillian Canto

2024 Selections

Feb  |  As Close to Us as Breathing by Elizabeth Poliner

Mar |  We were the Lucky Ones by Georgia Hunter

May |  You and Me and Us by Alison Hammer

Jun |  The Yid: A Novel by Paul Goldberg

Jul |  Goodnight Nobody by Jennifer Weiner

Aug |  The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris

Sep |  Queen for a Day by Maxine Rosaler

Nov |  Ethel Rosenberg: An American Tragedy by Anne Sebba

Dec |  A Jewish Girl in Paris by Melanie Levensohn